Pittsburgh, Pa. ? In front of the largest crowd so far in 2008, the Robert Morris University men's hockey team faced off against the Ohio State Buckeyes for the second consecutive year in the Pittsburgh College Hockey Showcase. Although the Colonials outshot the Buckeyes, 32-17, Ohio State managed to edge RMU 4-0.
The beginning of the first period was dominated by aggressive defense while each team held the other scoreless for nearly 16 minutes. Finally at the 15:48 mark, Ohio State netted the first point of the night with Hunter Bishop's second goal of the season. An assist on the goal was awarded to Shane Sims.
Junior goalie Wes Russell (Springfield, Ill. / Quinnipiac) made his ninth start of the season in goal, making four saves in the first period.
Ohio State continued on the offensive attack just five minutes and 19 seconds into the second. Zach Pelletier tallied the Buckeyes second score off of helpers from Zac Dalphe and Steve West.
With just nine seconds left to play in the second period, Corey Elkins found Ian Boots in front of the net. Boots was then able to push a shot past Russell extending the Buckeyes lead to three at 19:51.
RMU had three power play opportunities in the second, but failed to convert with the man advantage. The Buckeyes held the edge on shots in the second, tallying 10 shots on goal while the Colonials recorded eight.
At the beginning of the third period, Russell was replaced by freshman Brooks Ostergard (Chagrin Falls, Ohio / Bay State Breakers) who made his first appearance of the season. He would finish the night with one save.
The third period continued with an aggressive tone as each team picked up numerous penalty minutes. Robert Morris picked up four penalties for eight minutes while Ohio State totaled 10 minutes from five penalties.
Ohio State tacked on its fourth and final goal at the 17:48 mark in third as Tyler Stefishen snuck the puck past Ostergard off a rebound from a shot by Boot. A secondary assist on the goal was awarded to Elkins.
For the first time in 2008, the Colonials outshot their opponent and did not come away with a victory. RMU also won 33 of 61 faceoffs in the loss.
Robert Morris (2-6-2 ; 1-0-1 CHA) will match up next Friday , November 21 and Saturday, November 22 against Lake Superior State in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Friday's game will begin at 7:05 p.m. while Saturday is set for a 5:05 p.m. start.
